Right now, I am mostly getting .pho (gerber files) and .asc (pads) but i don't have anything to convert it to excel or text files so that Cad2cad can read it. I have camtastic! 2000, but i haven't figured out a way to convert it. I want to able to extract x y coordinates. I am using a Topaz-X and i would appreciate some feedback from you guys. thanks in advance

Once that is done click the tool menu at the top then the assembly utilities then create and group parts. This will allow you to select the pads for a given package and name it then the software will seack for pad sets that match (a limitation is it only looks for the same rotation). Do all of the pads.

Then click on tool menu at the top then the assembly utitlities then assign reference designators. Do all of the components.

Then on the left side go to main menu and click on the Assembly parts table. At the bottom click on the export button.

This is not perfect but since you already own it you can use it and get a feel for some of the short comings of this type of software then look for a better option.

You can use UniSoft ( http://www.unisoft-cim.com ) to solve your problem. They advertise here on SMTnet and are a 22-year-old software company. Their combination ProntoPLACE ( http://www.unisoft-cim.com/pcbplace.htm ) and ProntoGERBER-CONNECTION ( http://www.unisoft-cim.com/gerber_connection.htm ) software modules should do the trick for you. The software will translate any CAD or your raw Gerber files and BOM and create your assembly machine program files fast. The software also does first article inspection and creates process sheets, etc. There is also a free viewer that your whole production floor, your customers and vendors can use. They have the best prices in the industry and they have a rent to own plan too. You can call or email me for more information.